Adventure operator Explore has issued a plea for the trade and customers to support the people of Ukraine suffering while under attack from Russia.
The company, which originally cancelled all Russia tours until the end of June, has now taken all trips to Russia off sale until the end of the year and will not operate to the country until the situation is resolved.
Explore explained the reasons behind the decision and highlighted how staff are supporting locals in the besieged country.
An email sent to agents and customers said: “Since news broke of the invasion of Ukraine, we – like the rest of the nation, and the world – have been hugely concerned for the people of Ukraine and intent on helping in any way we can. We are in daily contact with our suppliers and partners, both in Russia and Ukraine, and supporting them wherever we can.
“Some customers and partners have asked how they can best help local people.
“Explore has donated to the Red Cross and we’ve put together just a few small ways that our team members have been showing their support to the people of Ukraine. However, there are numerous charities and initiatives doing good things, and people will of course support those that best resonate with them.
“We’re huge believers in the power of small group travel as a way to ensure that tourism brings benefit – both financially and culturally – to the places we visit.
“And, where we can do it safely and in a way that supports the communities we visit, we usually do it regardless of the regime in charge.
“On this occasion, though, we have decided to stop all sales of trips to Russia. We emphatically condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and stand with the Ukrainian people in the defence of their nation.”
The operator is working with its local church to collect essential items needed for refugees who are crossing into Poland, ranging from blankets and bed linen, to nappies and toiletries.
The church in Farnborough will then deliver the donations to a local Polish school to transport them to Poland.
Explore staff are also working within their own communities to gather essential items in partnership with schools and community centres.
“We’ve been gathering unused toys and clothes for children, as well as buggies, which will be transported and given to refugees at the borders,” the company said.
Alongside an appeal for donations to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, Explore employees are signing an open letter urging the government to give safe passage to those leaving Ukraine.
Local businesses in Ukraine are being helped with the purchase of digital files, such as digital planners, graphics, printable art and sewing patterns.
“These are automatically delivered to our email addresses, meaning Ukrainian sellers receive their funds without having to post a product,” the company said.
A blog post on the firm’s website also detailed how Airbnb is offering free short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees funded by donors to an Airbnb.org Refugee Fund and hosts.